Former House Speaker Newt Gingrich tells Newsmax that either Paul Ryan or Rob Portman would be the best pick for Mitt Romney’s running mate.

There has been talk that Romney might select former Minnesota Gov. Tim Pawlenty, Ohio Sen. Portman, or Wisconsin Rep. Ryan as his vice presidential candidate, or perhaps New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie.

Watch our exclusive video. Story continues below.

Asked by Newsmax who would be the greatest asset to the Romney campaign, Gingrich responded: “I think they’re all good people and they all have different unique strengths. I personally think that both Paul Ryan because of his brilliance and the work he’s done on the budget, and Rob Portman because he’s been director of the budget and he has a solid career in the Senate.

“Either of them would bring a very major state. I think Ryan would help carry Wisconsin. Portman would help carry Ohio. In my mind they’re probably two of the front-runners.

“I also think you can’t forget [Sen.] Marco Rubio of Florida or Gov. Bob McDonnell of Virginia. There are a number of first-rate people who could end up on the ticket.”